Types of Senior Relocation Professionals

Downsizing. Moving. Home Transition. All have become a rite of passage for the 55+ population of today. But what about the services available to help ease the moving process? Who are the resources and what are their qualifications?

Today, there are select providers who can assist with all facets of relocation and then there are those who provide isolated services, such as resellers, movers, junk haulers and liquidators.

The needs of a 55+ client looking to move from a long time family home are diverse, and are often complicated by issues such as family dynamics, hoarding, health conditions, personal crisis and financial constraints. It is important for the consumer to understand the available resources and their qualifications.

The following is a summary of providers who are trained and accredited to provide Senior Relocation support and services:

Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist (CRTS):

The National Certification Board for Alzheimer’s care awards the Certified Relocation Specialist (CRTS)® credential. It has remained the only valid independent industry credential since 2004. Individuals who earn the CRTS certification work in a variety of related professional disciplines, but all are involved in the relocation process. CRTS Professionals include: Realtors, movers, organizers, housing administrators, caregivers, after care coordinators, discharge planners, estate sale professionals, move managers and more.

CRTS professionals focus on alleviating client and family stress associated with a home transition, as well as helping the client settle into a new home environment as seamlessly as possible. All have successfully passed the CRTS exam for core competency and meet security, insurance and continuing education requirements. Find out more about CRTS.

Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES):

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) launched its Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) accrediting program in 2007. This program and the SRES designation are designed to offer the senior home seller a dedicated resource to understand today’s market, while addressing many specific 55+ client needs. SRES Realtors understand retirement and senior housing options and the logistics of relocation, as well as financial concerns. They are able to provide other qualified third party resources to assist with a sale, such as moving specialists or legal and financial support. All SRES Realtors meet NAR industry requirements, and are supported by the SRES Council. Find out more about SRES.

Professional Geriatric Care Managers (PCGM):

The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) established their Geriatric Care Manager Certification requirements in 2006. A Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PGCM) provides many services beyond senior relocation and is a dedicated health and human services specialist who helps families care for older relatives. PCGMs are trained and experienced in any of several fields related to long-term care, including, but not limited to nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care. PGCMs also provide advice and counseling on legal, financial and medical issues. All PCGMs are required to meet Standards of Practice, ethics and credentialing requirements. Find out more about Geriatric Care Managers.